STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1868

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 358

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 358, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board of Land and Natural Resources

G.M. No. 358

ROBERT J. PACHECO, for a term to expire 6-30-2010,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee, and finds Robert J. Pacheco to have the necessary qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

     Testimony in support of Robert J. Pacheco's nomination was submitted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter; Palani Ranch Company, Inc.; and thirty-two individuals.

     Mr. Pacheco attended Chico State University and the University of Colorado where he focused his studies on the Socio-Economics of Natural Resource Management.  He is currently the Founder and President of Hawaii Forest and Trail in Kailua-Kona, which operates nature adventure tours and a retail store.  He has extensive community involvement, including serving as a Board Member of the Big Island Visitors Bureau, the Chairperson of the Mauna Kea Management Board, a Board Member of Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a Board Member of the Paniolo Preservation Society, and the President of T.R.E.E. Center Hawaii.  Mr. Pacheco indicated to your Committee that he plans to no longer be part of the Mauna Kea Management Board to avoid any potential conflicts while serving on the Board of Land and Natural Resources.  He further indicated that with regard to issues relating to the Na Ala Hele Program, he will seek the advice of Deputy Attorney General assigned to the Board of Land and Natural Resources because Hawaii Forest and Trail holds trail access permits from private landowners for its adventure tours.

     Mr. Pacheco currently represents the Island of Hawaii on the Board as an interim member, and is nominated to represent the Big Island for a four-year term.  Since his interim appointment, he has demonstrated a strong desire to learn about the issues presented to the Board, and he has the compassion and commitment to protect Hawaii's natural resources.  Mr. Pacheco's demonstrated commitment to and professional experience in Hawaii's natural environment and resources will prove to be a valuable asset for the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

RUSSELL S. KOKUBUN, Chair